Earthquake Lab
Earthquake Simulation – Fault Rupture & Ground Motion
Earthquakes occur when stress built up along geological faults is suddenly released, sending seismic energy outward as waves. This simulation focuses on the mechanics of fault rupture—how strike-slip, reverse, and normal faults behave differently during an event. Explore how earthquake magnitude, focal depth, and distance from the epicenter control the intensity of ground shaking felt at the surface.
What you can do in this simulation
- Select different fault types—strike-slip, reverse, and normal—and observe how each produces distinct ground motion patterns
- Adjust earthquake magnitude and focal depth to see how energy release scales with the Richter and moment magnitude scales
- Watch seismic waves radiate outward from the hypocenter and observe how shaking intensity decreases with distance
- Examine liquefaction risk by changing subsurface soil type beneath a simulated landscape
- Compare peak ground acceleration at multiple surface locations as fault parameters change
Concepts covered
fault rupture · epicenter and hypocenter · magnitude scale · ground shaking · liquefaction · seismic energy
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